Hydrogen generator system for internal combustion engine

ABSTRACT

A hydrogen generator system for internal combustion engines includes a cylindrical container for receiving an aqueous fluid and gases in an annular space therein, an electrolysis cell having an array of electrode plates including a positive-charged electrode plate, a negative-charged electrode plate spaced from the positive-charged electrode plate, and a plurality of neutral-charged electrode plates serving as the outermost electrode plates of the electrolysis cell and also innermost electrode plates in the space between the positive-charged electrode plate and the negative-charged electrode plate, and an insulative sleeve surrounding and contacting the outer periphery of the electrolysis cell to intensify the output created by the electrolysis cell.

BACKGROUND

With significant increases in fuel prices and the call for alternative fuel sources, the incorporation of hydrogen generator systems in internal combustion engines has become more prevalent. Hydrogen generator systems may maximize the performance of internal combustion engines by increasing efficiency levels and power while lowering emission levels. Such hydrogen generator systems may include one or more electrolysis cells that separate hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) from water through an electrolysis process, removing the hydrogen using an electric charge and injecting the hydrogen into the fuel intake system of the internal combustion engine.

In order to meet certain power thresholds, some hydrogen generator systems have a size too large to accommodate most vehicles, sometimes overheating due to the excessive amounts of electrical power. On the other hand, other hydrogen generator systems, while small enough to be outfitted in vehicles, output a small amount of electrical power to maximize the amount of hydrogen gas needed for consumption. Moreover, many designs use inferior materials and are not structured to maximize electrical performance during operation.

SUMMARY

Embodiments relate to a hydrogen generator system that may include at least one of the following: an electrolysis cell including a positive-charged electrode plate, a negative-charged electrode plate spaced from the positive-charged electrode plate, and a plurality of neutral-charged electrode plates serving as the outer electrode plates of the electrolysis cell and also interposed in the space between the positive-charged electrode plate and the negative-charged electrode plate; and a sleeve surrounding and contacting the outer periphery of the electrolysis cell for intensifying the electric output produced by the electrolysis cell.

Embodiments relate to a hydrogen generator system that may include at least one of the following: an electrolysis cell including a positive-charged electrode plates and a negative-charged electrode plate spaced apart, first, second and third neutral charged electrode plates interposed in the space between the positive-charged electrode plate and the negative-charged electrode plate, and fourth and fifth neutral-charged electrode plates serving as outer plates of the electrolysis cell; an insulative sleeve surrounding and contacting the outer periphery of the electrolysis cell; and at least one electrical insulating spacer provided in spaces between neighboring electrodes plates.

Embodiments relate to a hydrogen generator system that may include at least one of the following: a cylindrical container for receiving an aqueous fluid and gases in an annular space therein, the container including an upper cap and a lower cap for sealing the annular space and also an aqueous fluid inlet; an electrolysis cell having an array of electrode plates including a positive-charged electrode plate, a negative-charged electrode plate spaced from the positive-charged electrode plate, and a plurality of neutral-charged electrode plates serving as the outer electrode plates of the electrolysis cell and also interposed in the space between the positive-charged electrode plate and the negative-charged electrode plate; and a sleeve surrounding and contacting the outer periphery of the electrolysis cell.

Embodiments relate to a hydrogen generator system that may include at least one of the following: an electrolysis cell including a plurality of positive-charged electrode plates and a plurality of negative-charged electrode plates spaced in alternating configuration, a plurality of neutral-charged electrode plates interposed between neighboring ones of the positive-charged electrode plates and the negative-charged electrode plates by a predetermined distance; a connector mechanism for clamping the positive-charged electrode plates, the negative-charged electrode plates and the neutral-charged electrode plates together and also electrically connecting the negative-charged electrode plates. In accordance with embodiments, the positive-charged electrode plates are directly and electrically connected to each other.

Embodiments are related to a hydrogen generator system that may include at least one of the following: a cylindrical container for receiving an aqueous solution and gases in an annular space therein, the container including an upper cap and a lower cap for sealing the annular space, the upper cap having a fluid inlet and the lower cap having a fluid outlet; an electrolysis cell system for receipt in the annular space, the electrolysis cell including an array of positive and negative charged electrode plates composed of a first electrically conductive material; a plurality electrical insulating spacers provided in spaces between neighboring electrodes plates; a plurality of neutrally-charged plates composed of a second electrically conductive material as the electrode plates and interposed between neighboring electrode plates; a connector mechanism for clamping the electrode plates together.

Embodiments are related to a hydrogen generator system for an internal combustion engine that may include at least one of the following: an electrolysis cell including an array of positive charged electrode plates, negative charged electrode plates and neutral charged electrode plates interposed between the positive charged electrode plates and the negative charged electrode plates; and a connector mechanism for clamping the electrolysis cell together. In accordance with embodiments, a first negative-charged electrode plate and a first positive-charged electrode plate each have a vertical arm extending upwardly from an upper edge thereof which is adapted to directly receive an electrical charge from a DC source, a second positive-charged electrode plate has a vertical arm extending upwardly from an upper edge thereof which is directly connected to the vertical arm of the first positive-charged electrode plate to form an electrical short circuit, and a second negative charged electrode plate has a vertical arm extending downwardly from a lower edge thereof which is directly connected to the connector mechanism.

DRAWINGS

Example FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate a hydrogen generator system in accordance with embodiments.

DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in example FIGS. 1 and 3, in accordance with embodiments, hydrogen generator system 10 may include container 20 having a geometric shape as a cylinder. While container is illustrated having a cylindrical configuration, embodiments are not limited to such, and thus, may include container 20 having any geometric configuration. Container 20 may include an annular chamber or space sized to receive an aqueous solution and/or gases, upper cap 21 and lower cap 22 for sealing the annular space. Upper cap 21 may include fluid inlet 23 and lower cap 22 may include fluid outlet 24. Fluid inlet 23 may be fluidically connected to appropriate tubing for receiving the aqueous solution for entry into the annular chamber of container 20. Fluid outlet 24 may be fluidically connected to appropriate tubing to permit flow of the aqueous solution from the annular space in container 20. Container 20, including upper cap 21, lower cap 22, fluid inlet 23 and fluid outlet 24 may be composed of a lightweight material. Such a lightweight material maybe a polymer or a composite thereof.

Electrolysis cell 30 may be provided for receipt in the annular chamber of container 20 for producing or otherwise generating at least combustible hydrogen from the aqueous solution. Electrolysis cell 30 may be electrically connected to, and thus, energized by a power source. Such a power source may be a direct current (DC) power source. Such a DC power source may be a battery. Electrolysis cell 30 may include an array of positive charged electrode plates 31, negative charged electrode plates 32 and neutral charged electrode plates 33 interposed in spaces between neighboring positive charged electrode plates 31 and negative charged electrode plates 32. Neutral charged electrode plates 33 form an electrical connection with negative charged electrode plates 32 and neutral charged electrode plates 33 via the aqueous solution when an electric current is received by electrolysis cell 30. Notably, maximization of the electrical performance of electrolysis cell 30 can be achieved by configuring neutral charged electrode plates 33 a predetermined distance between neighboring positive charged electrode plates 31 and negative charged electrode plates 32.

Positive charged electrode plates 31, negative charged electrode plates 32 and neutral charged electrode plates 33 are each composed of an electrically conductive material having enhanced corrosion-resistance properties. Such an electrically conductive material may be a metal such as stainless steel. The stainless is preferably a high grade stainless steel such as 316L 18 gauge. Also interposed in the spaces between neighboring positive charged electrode plates 31 and negative charged electrode plates 32 is a plurality of electrical insulating (i.e., non-electrically conductive) spacers 38. Spacers 38 may be provided on and contacting sides of neutral charged electrode plates 33 in such spaces. Spacers 38 may be composed of an electrically insulating, non-magnetic and corrosion resistant material such as nylon.

As illustrated in example FIG. 2, electrolysis cell 30 is configured such that an inner electrode and an out electrode can directly receive an electric charge from the power source. Particularly, first negative-charged electrode plate 32 a has vertical arm 34 and first positive-charged electrode plate 31 a has a vertical arm 35 which each extend upwardly from upper edges thereof. Vertical arm 35 includes a lower arm portion extending along the same plane as electrode 31 a, an upper arm portion extending parallel to the lower arm portion, and a middle arm portion which extends perpendicular to the lower and upper arm portions to connect the lower and upper arm portions. Vertical arms 34, 35 permit first negative-charged electrode plate 32 a and first positive-charged electrode plate 31 a to directly receive an electrical charge from the power source.

Second positive-charged electrode plate 31 b has vertical arm 36 extending upwardly from an upper edge thereof and which is directly connected by intermediate horizontally extending arm 39 to vertical arm 35 of first positive-charged electrode plate 31 a to thereby form an electrical short circuit. Vertical arm 36 of second positive-charged electrode plate 31 b extends parallel to the lower portion of vertical arm 35 of first positive-charged electrode 31 a. Each of the vertical and horizontal components is composed of the same material as the electrode plates.

As illustrated in example FIG. 3, a connector mechanism may be provided for clamping together the components of electrolysis cell 30 in a compact manner. The connector mechanism may include bracket 40 provided at a distal lower end of electrolysis cell 30. Bracket 40 may have a U-shaped geometric configuration, but is not limited to the same. Bracket 40 includes a pair of arms 41 surrounding and directly contacting outermost electrode plates 31, 32a. Bracket 40 also includes base 42 extending horizontally between and connecting arms 41 together while also supporting electrolysis cell 30 at a bottom end of container 20. Forward and rear threaded screw posts 43 extend through lower and upper apertures provided in electrolysis cell 30 and bracket arms 41 a. Screw posts 43 are composed of an electrically insulating material such as nylon. Each distal end of screw posts 43 is provided with washer 44. Bracket 40 may be composed of a metal such as stainless steel. Screw posts 43 may be composed of an electrically insulating material such as nylon. Vertical arm 37 of second negative charged electrode plate 32 b is directly connected to base 41 b of bracket 41. Particularly, second negative charged electrode plate 32 b has vertical arm 37 extending downwardly from a lower edge thereof for direct connection to connector mechanism 40.

Accordingly, in accordance with embodiments, a hydrogen generator system can include an electrolysis cell having a compact design sized to permit incorporation into vehicles of all sizes. The hydrogen generator system in accordance with embodiments incorporates an array of positive charged electrode plates, negative charged electrode plates and neutral charged electrode plates spaced apart in order to maximize the overall efficiency of the system. The hydrogen generator system in accordance with embodiments permits a direct electric charge to an outermost and an inner electrode plate to enhance electric efficiency during operation. The hydrogen generator system in accordance with embodiments includes a structural configuration and connection between electrodes that enhances current flow throughout the electrolysis cell.

As illustrated in example FIGS. 4 and 5, a hydrogen generator system for an internal combustion engine in accordance with embodiments may be structured having a significantly reduced size while also efficiently obtaining maximum performance to the engine, especially when compared to larger systems. This reduced size may result in an electrolysis cell having a reduction in the overall number of overall electrode plates but still produces maximized output due to the spacing between electrodes.

Such a hydrogen generator system may include electrolysis cell 30 having a single positive-charged electrode plate 31, a single negative-charged electrode plate 32 spaced apart from positive-charged electrode plate 32. Positive-charged electrode plate 31 and negative-charged electrode plate 32 are composed of stainless steel, such as 316L stainless steel. Positive-charged electrode plates 31 and negative-charged electrode plates 32 are electrically connected to a power source such as a DC power source. Positive-charged electrode plates 31 and negative-charged electrode plates 32 may have vertically arms extending vertically from outer edges thereof to connect to respective terminals extending through the container. The use of only to active electrode plates reduces the overall size and weight of electrolysis cell 30.

A plurality of neutral-charged electrode plates 33 are provided in the space between and also outside negative-charged electrode plate 32 and positive-charged electrode plate 32. Neutral-charged electrode plate 33 may be composed of the same material as positive-charged electrode plate 31 and negative-charged electrode plate 32, i.e., stainless steel. In accordance with embodiments, a pair of neutral-charged electrode plates 33 serve as outermost electrode plates of the electrolysis cell to surround negative-charged electrode plate 32 and positive-charged electrode plate 32. A plurality of neutral-charged electrode plates 33 are interposed in the space between positive-charged electrode plate 31 and negative-charged electrode plate. Such spacing between positive-charged electrode plates 31 and negative-charged electrode plates 32 produces maximum electrical performance of electrolysis cell 30 while not generating undesirable levels of heat. Accordingly, the hydrogen generating system does not generate instances of overheating common in other systems.

One or more and/or a plurality electrical insulating spacers 30 may be provided in spaces between neighboring electrodes plates 31, 32, 33. Spacers 30 may be provided to space electrode plates 31, 32, 33 a predetermined distance from each other. Such predetermined distance permits fluid and gas flow in electrolysis cell 30 while also permitting maximized electrical output during operation. Such a predetermined distance may be ⅛ of an inch. Spacers 38 may contact sides of electrode plates 31, 32, 33. Spacers 38 may be composed of an electrically insulating, non-magnetic and corrosion resistant material such as nylon.

Electrolysis cell 30 is housed or shrouded in an insulating sleeve 40 that contacts the outer periphery of electrolysis cell 30 for intensifying the electric output while protecting against corrosion due to exposure to an aqueous fluid provided in the container. Sleeve 40 leaves the uppermost and lowermost surface areas of electrolysis cell 30 exposed to thereby permit the fluidic flow through electrolysis cell 30. Sleeve 40 may be composed of a flexible material that is an electrical insulator and also corrosion resistant. Sleeve 40 may be composed of a polymer material, such as a thermoplastic polymer. An example of such a thermoplastic polymer is poly vinyl chloride (PVC). After electrolysis cell 30 is formed, sleeve 40 may be formed around the outer peripheral sides and edges of electrolysis cell 30 while exposing the uppermost and lowermost surface areas. The arms of positive-charged electrode plate 31 and negative-charged electrode plate 32 may be insulated from by covering them with a layer insulating material such as that composed of sleeves 40. The exposed connecting points and the mechanical devices (i.e., threaded screws, washers, nuts, etc.) used to connect these components between the vertical arms and the terminals should also be covered with insulating material. Use of the insulating film serves to obtain maximum electrical performance and yield from electrolysis cell 30.

Although embodiments have been described herein, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. 

1. A hydrogen generator system for an internal combustion engine comprising: an electrolysis cell including a positive-charged electrode plate, a negative-charged electrode plate spaced from the positive-charged electrode plate, and a plurality of neutral-charged electrode plates serving as the outer electrode plates of the electrolysis cell and also interposed in the space between the positive-charged electrode plate and the negative-charged electrode plate; and a sleeve surrounding and contacting the outer periphery of the electrolysis cell for intensifying the electric output produced by the electrolysis cell.
 2. The hydrogen generator system of claim 1, wherein the positive-charged electrode plates and the negative-charged electrode plates are electrically connected to a power source.
 3. The hydrogen generator system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality electrical insulating spacers provided between neighboring electrodes plates.
 4. The hydrogen generator system of claim 3, wherein each electrical insulating spacer creates a predetermined space between the neighboring electrodes plates.
 5. The hydrogen generator system of claim 4, wherein the predetermined space is ⅛ of an inch.
 6. The hydrogen generator system of claim 1, wherein the positive-charged electrode plate, the negative-charged electrode plate and the neutral-charged electrode plates are composed of stainless steel.
 7. The hydrogen generator system of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is composed of a material that is an electrical insulator and corrosion resistant.
 8. The hydrogen generator system of claim 7, wherein the sleeve is composed of a polymer material.
 9. The hydrogen generator system of claim 8, wherein polymer material comprises a thermoplastic polymer material.
 10. The hydrogen generator system of claim 9, wherein thermoplastic polymer material comprises poly vinyl chloride (PVC).
 11. A hydrogen generator system comprising: an electrolysis cell including a positive-charged electrode plates and a negative-charged electrode plate spaced apart, first, second and third neutral charged electrode plates interposed in the space between the positive-charged electrode plate and the negative-charged electrode plate, and fourth and fifth neutral-charged electrode plates serving as outer plates of the electrolysis cell; an insulative sleeve surrounding and contacting the outer periphery of the electrolysis cell; and at least one electrical insulating spacer provided in spaces between neighboring electrodes plates.
 12. The hydrogen generator system of claim 11, wherein each electrical insulating spacer creates a predetermined space between the neighboring electrodes plates.
 13. The hydrogen generator system of claim 12, wherein the predetermined space is ⅛ of an inch.
 14. The hydrogen generator system of claim 11, wherein the positive-charged electrode plate, the negative-charged electrode plate and the neutral-charged electrode plates are composed of stainless steel.
 15. The hydrogen generator system of claim 14, wherein the stainless steel comprises 316L stainless steel.
 16. The hydrogen generator system of claim 11, wherein the insulative sleeve is composed of a polymer material.
 17. A hydrogen generator system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a cylindrical container for receiving an aqueous fluid and gases in an annular space therein, the container including an upper cap and a lower cap for sealing the annular space and also an aqueous fluid inlet; an electrolysis cell having an array of electrode plates including a positive-charged electrode plate having an arm extending upwardly from an edge thereof to receive an electric charge from a source, a negative-charged electrode plate spaced from the positive-charged electrode plate and having an arm extending upwardly from an edge thereof to receive an electric charge from the source, and a plurality of neutral-charged electrode plates serving as the outer electrode plates of the electrolysis cell and also interposed in the space between the positive-charged electrode plate and the negative-charged electrode plate; and a sleeve surrounding and contacting the outer periphery of the electrolysis cell.
 18. The hydrogen generator system of claim 17, wherein the neutral-charged electrode plates comprises: a first neutral-charged electrode plate serving as a first outermost electrode plate of the electrolysis cell; second, third and fourth neutral-charged electrode plates spaced apart from each other in the space between the negative-charged electrode plate and the positive-charged electrode plate; and a fifth neutral-charged electrode plate provided adjacent to the negative-charged electrode plate and serving as a second first outermost electrode plate of the electrolysis cell.
 19. The hydrogen generator system of claim 18, further comprising a plurality electrical insulating spacers provided between neighboring electrodes plates to create a predetermined space between the neighboring electrodes plates.
 20. The hydrogen generator system of claim 18, wherein the predetermined space is ⅛ in. 